LG G6+: A better G6?
LG has just announced the Plus variant of the LG G6, its 2017 flagship. The LG G6+ will be sold on specific markets, with improvements in security and storage. New color variants and wireless charging have been added but aside from that, very little has actually changed compared to the hardware on the LG G6. An official product video from LG shows off the device's new colors.
LG G6+: launch date and price
The LG G6+ will hit specific markets starting next month with improved security and user experience. In terms of security, LG will integrate Face Print, Low Power Consumption and Covered Lens features into the system. These options will reach current models in the series through a software update.
In addition, the Plus variant will 128 GB of internal storage and premium audio quality, and will be available in the following colors: Optical Astro Black, Optical Marine Blue and Terra Gold.
The G6+ will be marketed with B&O PLAY headphones, which use the 32-bit Quad SAR Hi-Fi feature, and will have the option of charging wirelessly in some countries.
We still don't have any confirmation from the manufacturer about the arrival or price of the new smartphone.
LG G6+: design
A new product video from LG gives us our first look at the LG G6+ in action, and shows off its dust and water resistance. The video also reveals its two new colors in the light: Marine Blue and Terra Gold.
LG G6+: new functions
The Face Print feature is a security option developed by LG that works similar to Samsung's facial recognition technology. With Face Print, you can unlock your LG G6 quickly by holding the smartphone in front of your face, without the need to press any buttons. Unlocking occurs as soon as the registered face is recognized. The camera is activated when the G6+ is held towards the face.
Another new feature is low power consumption, which is built into Qualcomm's processor and leverages Google's Contextual Hub Runtime Environment (CHRE) to detect and collect data from all sensors and wireless connections on the device. This is supposed to enhance the user experience with third-party applications, consume less battery power and reduce latency.
The Covered Lens warning prevents the camera shutters from competing with each other. The wide-angle lens in the LG G6 covers a wide field of view and as such, can sometimes capture an unwanted finger in the frame if the user is not careful. However, with this new feature, users will receive a notification alert on the device screen warning that "unwanted fingers" are appearing on the image.
Regarding hardware, the big difference between the LG G6+ and its original variant is the additional storage and the option of wireless charging (the latter still being exclusive to specific regions). Like the LG G6, the Plus variant features a 5.7-inch QHD+ screen, Snapdragon 821 processor, microSD support, dual camera with dual 13 MP lens, 5 MP front camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, USB Type-C and 3300 mAh battery.
Regarding the amount of RAM, we assume that it will be 4 GB, although some sites are reporting that the variant marketed in South Korea may have 6 GB. However, there is nothing in LG's disclosure material about a possible increase in RAM.
LG G6+: worth It?
The LG G6 is a great smartphone, and includes features expected from devices launched in 2017, such as the new aspect ratio and a very competitive camera.
However, for some Android users, the fact that it has a 2016 processor (Snapdragon 821) will cause them to think twice about getting the device, despite this processor delivering a very good performance. Soon, competing with the Galaxy S8 and S8+, Xiaomi Mi 6 or Xperia XZ Premium will be a tough act to follow.
The LG G6 Plus comes with 128 GB of internal storage, more security options, wireless charging and higher-quality headphones. Honestly, depending on the market price, I wouldn't say it's worth investing in this model compared to the original variant, unless wireless charging is particularly important to you. The G6 offers the possibility of expanding memory via microSD and will eventually get all the new security features added to the G6+, although the latter is expected to reach the market with a bigger price tag.
LG G6+ technical specs
| Display | 5.7-inch QHD+ |
| Processor | Snapdragon 821 |
| Camera | Dual camera 13 MP + 5 MP front camera |
| Battery | 3300 mAh |
| Internal storage | 128 GB |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Special features | Wireless charging, USB Type-C |
So what do you think about the LG G6+? Would you buy it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
They should have released at least a 64GB version from the start. I have a 2-year old phone with 64GB and even though I like the LG G6 I was not planning to go below 64GB of storage. I know I could add a SD card but it's not the same. By the time these versions get here there will be a lot of competition.
Really compelling. 128GB and nice hardware. And B&O headphones to boot. Price it right and I'll be in.
depending on the price.. G6+ really needs (deserves) the SD835 if only for a bit more future proofing and efficiency.. it's a really nice design that's still gonna look and feel like a premium flagship in a few years, especially compared to anything with large bezels..
Especially when there aren't much hard facts to go around yet, at least some articles will give some compilation of what's been heard so far.
As for whether it's a bad business decision or waste of money, that's comparing an ideal against an actual product until the real thing is finally in a reviewer's hands. Side by side, it would take both actual measurement and direct testing to show how much better each chip is. Instead of making subjective claims on a manufacturer's results in a lab.
Good overview on this topic!
Very bad business decision by LG, waste of money and they will cause an angry fan base, releasing a phone with bigger storage and wireless charging is a backstab on those that have bought the lower storage models and non wireless charging. I was going to get the LG G6 at one point but opted for a different phone...so glad I did, waste of money to release a plus model with the same chipset.
To go through the trouble of introducing 2 new models of the G6 and not incorporate the SD835 at this point in time is just plain stupid.
Why would you release another phone with the 821 processer? The note8 and the iphone8 are right around the corner. Personally this seems to be a waste of time & effort. I think if I purchased the g6 I would be upset! Isn't the V30 coming out soon? Why invest in a plus model....
What in the world is LG thinking? All the newer releases incorporate the 835 processer. Your releasing two premium phones with the 821 in 2017. Again dismal sales, gee I wonder why? Ok, so I said to myself self the V30 is right around the corner. It will have the 835 processer in it. But, no removable battery and no secondary display. So I have come to the conclusion that LG enjoys losing money when you dismiss you best selling features. I think LG & Lenovo belong together as strange bedfellows! Take away your best features and take away your best customers!